Relays



Jan. 15, 1957 R. H. MUNSON ET AL 2,777,923

RELAYS Filed Aug. 8, 1952 2 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR [ea/pk H. Manson Barfon 7. Sezche/l ATTORNEY Jan. 15, 1957 R. H. MUNSON ET AL 2, 77, 2

RELAYS Filed Aug. 8, 1952 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 F 7 INVENTOR 7 [ea/pk H. M'unsan Barfon T Sezche/l ORNEY United States atent RELAYS Ralph H. Munson and Barton Thomas Setchell, St. Paul, Minn.

Application August 8, 1952, Serial No. 303,312

7 Claims. (Cl. 200-457) This invention relates to an improvement in midget relays and deals particularly with a small size relay which is extremely sensitive and may be used in the plate circuits of electronic tubes.

An object of the present invention lies in the provision of a relay which may be produced in extremely compact form. In many types of devices, space is very critical and the production of compact relays is necessary in order that the device fit within an allotted space. The present device is designed to provide high efiiciency without utilizing any unnecessary space.

The components of electronic circuits are often arranged compactly in the smallest possible area consistent with good design. As tube sockets and tubes are round in shape, it is desirable that other components be similarly shaped and so that relays, for example, may be placed side by side with tubes, and may fit in similar sockets. Most relays are of rectangular design, requiring a rectangular enclosure or a round enclosure of considerable size to fit about the square structure. These difficulties have been overcome in the present design by elongating the circular coil, reducing it diameter and curving the armature support to closely iit against the surface of the coil. The armature and contacts are at one end of the coil and within the diameter thereof, and the relay base is provided with prong type terminals which fit in a conventional tube socket. Thus the hermetically sealed relay takes no more space than a conventional tube, simplifying the layout and arrangement of such relays in electronic circuit.

An important feature of the present invention resides in the physical construction of the relay. Midget relays of the type in question sometimes are designed to fit a tube socket of usual construction. In previous structures of the class in question, it has been common practice to wire the relay terminals to the prong pins after the relay has been otherwise assembled. In the present design the contact terminals are arranged in alignment with the prong pins of the relay base so that the terminals may in effect form a continuation of the prong pins and may be soldered directly to the prong pins, thereby simplifying the completion of the relay and minimizing the space required for wiring the connections.

A feature of the present invention lies in the provision of a relay having a spool on whihc the relay coil is Wound and in providing projections on the spool which are aligned with the prong pin of the relay base. These projections are preferably tubular in form and may telescope onto the prong pins of the relay base, thereby minimizing the wiring of the relay.

A further feature of the present invention resides in the provision of a relay having an armature which is hingedly supported in an elongated V-shaped groove in its supporting member. This V-shaped groove accommodates an accurately rounded edge of the armature so that the armature is free to pivot with virtually no friction. One or more tongues on the armature project ice beyond its fulcrum and extend through a slot in the support so as to hold the hinged end of the armature from lateral movement. A spring connects the armature to its support and serves the double purpose of holding the armature in place and biasing the armature toward a contact.

A further feature of the present invention resides in the provision of a relay having a pair of contacts supported upon tubular projections mounted on the relay coil core in alignment with the prong pins. These con tacts may be adjustably supported upon the tubular projections by providing a threaded engagement between the contacts and the tubular projections or the contacts may be merely pressed into place in proper spaced relationship to provide fixed contacts between which the armature may swing.

A further feature of the present invention lies in the provision of relay contacts in the form of discs which may be threaded or pressed onto the tubular projections forming prong pin extensions in the assembled relationship. One such contact may be mounted upon a projection before the relay is mounted in place and the other contact may be mounted after the relay armature is in place. When the contacts are in place the armature is held in position and the pivotal movement of the armature is limited by the spacing between the discs.

A further feature of the present invention lies in the manner in which the relay armature biasing spring is supported. The relay armature is provided with a grooved pin projecting therefrom at a point spaced from the pivot, the biasing spring encircling the groove and being anchored at one end by the groove. The other end of the spring is anchored to a spring clip which is supported upon the armature support. The spring clip, the spring, and the pin form a good electrical connection between the relay armature and the armature support.

An added feature or" the present invention resides in the provision of a contact supported upon the armature and including ofiset ears designed to engage the fixed contacts. These ears are offset from the plane of the contact member, one being elevated above the plane of the contact and the other being depressed below the plane of the contact. The armature contact may thereby firmly engage the contact discs to prevent current loss through the contacts.

These and other objects and novel features of the present invention will be more clearly and fully set forth in the following specification and claims.

In the drawings forming a part of the specification:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the assembled relay.

Figure 2 is a sectional view longitudinally through the relay showing the general arrangement of parts therein.

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view through the relay, the position of the section being indicated by the line 33 of Figure 2.

Figure 4 is a sectional view through the relay closely adjacent to the relay coil core, the position of the section being indicated by the line 4-4 of Figure 2.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the armature.

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the armature support.

Figure 7 is a sectional view htrough the fulcrum point of the armature and its support.

Figure 8 is a perspective view of a spring bracket by means of which the armature spring tension may be adjusted.

Figure 9 is an elevation view of a modified form of armature contact.

The relay is indicated in general by the letter A and in general includes a supporting base 10 and a tubular closure 11. The base 10 comprises a disc 12 of insulating material having a metallic rim 13 fused securely 3 thereupon. The rim 13 is provided with a cylindrical sleeve projecting upwardly from the base and designed to telescopically engage the end of the cylindrical sleeve 15 forming a part of the closure 31. The end 1'6 of the sleeve is closed, thus forming a complete closure for the operating parts of the relay, the closure hermetically sealing the relay elements in the assembled form of the relay. An insulation sleeve 18 may line the sleeve 15.

The base 12 is provided with a series of angularly arranged prong pins projecting therethrough and anchored therein. These prong pins are designated by the numerals l7, 19, 2d, 21, 22, 23 and 2.4, there being seven such prong pins. The pins are arranged at the same radius as the prong pins of a seven prong miniature radio tube and accordingly may be accommodated in a tube socket designed for such tubes.

The relay includes a coil 25 which is wound upon a spool which is indicated in general by the numeral 26. The spool 26 includes a hollow tubular core 2.7 and disc shaped ends 29 and 3b. The end 29 is relatively thin to conserve space while the opposite end 30 is comparatively thick, as this end of the spool acts as a support for the projections which will now be described.

The spool end 3% is provided with a series of projections which are identified by the numerals 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 and 37. Each of the projections are provided with a collar such as 39 (Figure 2), and these collars 39 engage against the spool end 30 and limit the insertion of the projection into the spool end. The extremity 40 of each projection is flared outwardly slightly to hold the projection solidly in place in the spool end. As indicated in Figure 2 each projection is provided with a tubular end or socket portion 41 which is designed to accommodate the inner end of a corresponding prong pin. The projections described are supported at the same radius and same angular spacing as the prong pins of the relay base and the pins and projections align so that each prong pin telescopes into the end of a corresponding projection.

The spool core 27 acccornmodates the relay core 42 which extends from end to end of the spool and coil. A threaded socket 43 extends into one end of the relay c'ore'42 and is designed to accommodate a machine screw 44. This screw 44 is designed to attach the end of the core remote from the operating parts of the relay to the metallic armature support indicated in general by the number 45.

The armature support includes a flange 46 which extends over the spool end 29 and is apertured to receive the machine screw 44 which connects the support to the core end. The armature support also includes an elongated arm which extends throughout the length of the coil spool and this arm 47 is curved as best illus trated in Figure 4 to fit about a portion of the periphery of the coil and to thus conserve space. A flange 49 extends inwardly to overlie a small portion of the spool end Sit, the flange construction being best illustrated in Figure 6. An aperture 50 extends through the flange 49 and is designed to accommodate a fastening lug or pin Slwhich connectsthe flange 49 to the spool end 30. The armature support also includes an extension 52 which actually serves as the armature supporting part.

As best indicated in Figure 6 of the drawings, the flat projection 52 is provided with a transverse V-shaped notch 53 which is formed by pressing the material of the arm out of the plane of the remainder of the arm. This provides a ridge 54 on the outer side of the extension 52 of the ty e shown in Figure 6. An elongated slot or aperture 55 is provided centrally of the extension 52. This slot or aperture is designed to accommodate a projecting tongue of the armature in a manner which will be later described.

The relay armature is best illustrated at 56 in Figure 5 of the drawings. The armature comprises a generally flat body 57 which is provided with rounded sides 59- and 60 to fit between the various mounting pinsand projections. The body 66 is provided with a pair of rounded opposed notches 61 and 62 which are designed to space the armature from two of the projections 31 and 37 between which it extends. The body includes an elongated fulcrum portion 63 which is centrally provided With a projecting tongue 64. The tongue 64 is notched at 65 so as to space the armature from the screw or rivet 51 in the assembled form of the relay.

The forward edges of the fulcrum portion63 are provided with an arcuate curvature to seat properly in the notch 53 of the armature support. These edges, although physically extremely small, are provided with a predetermined radius of curvature which holds the armature fulcrum at a predetermined level at all positions of the armature. This is important when accuracy within extremely small tolerances is required.

The tongue 64 extends through the elongated slot 55 i and holds the armature from lateral movement relative to its support. The tongue is just narrow enough to prevent frictional engagement with the ends of the slot. The slot 55 is of proper depth so that the upper and lower slot edges do not contact the armature as it pivots. Thus the engagement of the accurately rounded'edges of the portions 63 against the walls of the notch 53 forms the only frictional resistance to armature movement, and this resistance is small due to the structural features described. A notch 68 is provided at the inner end ofeach fulcrum portion 63 to reduce friction and prevent binding of the tongue 64 against the ends of the slot 55.

A contact member 66 overlies a surface of the flat armature body 57 and is secured thereto. A small screw or rivet 67 anchors the contact member 66 to the body of the armature. The screw or rivet 67 is provided with a peripheral groove 69 therein, this groove being designed to form an anchor for one end of an armature biasing; spring 70. The contact member 66 is generally triangular in form and includes an upwardly pressed contact portion 71 which is pressed above the surface of the remainder of the contact member and a downwardly pressed contact portion 72 which is located beneath the plane of the remainder of the contact member. Both of the ofi-set portions 71 and 72 extend beyond the periphery of the body of the armature. The contact member may be soldered to the body of the armature 56 and is also connected through the spring 70 to the projection 52 so as to be electrically connected thereto. Alternatively, the armature may be made in one piece, with the' contacts formed thereon.

The projection 34 is illustrated as being externally threaded to accommodate a contact disc 73. The contact disc 73 is'designed to underlie the off-set portion 72 of the" armature contact 66 and to form electrical con: nection therewith. The spool projection 35 is also illustrated as being externally threaded to accommodate a contact disc 74 which is designed to form contact" with theoff-set portion 71 of the relay contact 66. The spring 70 normally hinged the armature against the contact disc 74. However, when the relay coil is energized the relay armature is hinged toward the core 42so that-the o'fl-s'e't portion 72 forms electrical contact with the disc 73.

This arrangement has several advantages. In the first placethe contact discs greatly simplify the assembly'o'f the relay as the first disc 73 may be first applied to the projection 34, the armature 56 may next be assembled in place and the second contact. disc 74 may then'be' applied to its projection 35, the discs limiting the pivotal move; ment of the armature and holding the armature in position; When the discs '75 and 74 are threaded onto their respective spool projections the swinging movement of the armature may be regulated and adjusted. Itis possible', however, to merely press the contact discs inplace, particularly where all of the discs are spaced anequal distance apart. I

The fiat projection 52; best illustrated in Figure is notched at its upper extremity as indicated at 75. A spring bracket is connected to the projection 52 to anchor the spring 70. The spring bracket includes a flange 76 which extends through the notch 75 and is apertured to accommodate an end of the coil spring 70. The spring includes laterally extending spring arms 77 and 79 which overlie the surface of the flat projecting portion 52 and form surface contact therewith. An anchoring screw 80 extends through the intermediate portion between the arms 77 and 79 and into a threaded aperture 81 in the projection 52 to hold the spring mounting in place. A connecting Wire 82 is soldered to the projection 52 at the point of contact between one of the spring arms 79 and the projection. Thus a good electrical connection is produced from the armature contact member 66 to the spool projection 36 which forms the third relay connection.

The spring bracket arms 77 and 79 tend to urge the bracket away from the projection 52 with more force than is exerted in the opposite direction by the spring 70. Thus by tightening the screw 80 and drawing the intermediate portion of the spring bracket toward the projection 52, the length of the spring 70 can be decreased, decreasing the tension of the spring 70 upon the armature. By loosening the screw 80, the spring bracket will increase the tension upon the spring 70. The spring bracket thus performs several functions. It provides a spring adjustment for the spring 70. It also provides a tension against the adjustment screw 80, tending to hold this screw from rotation. By providing tension on the screw 80, it also simplifies the adjustment, as movement of the screw in either direction immediately transfers movement through the bracket to the spring, and as any rotative movement of the screw may be readily observed and felt.

As indicated in Figure 3 of the drawings, the posts 31 and 37 are connected to the ends of the relay coil and indicated diagrammatically in this figure. The corresponding prong pins 17 and 24 are connected through the tube socket to a source of current supply. As the relay requires an extremely small amount of current for its operation, the relay may be connected in the plate circuit of various electronic hook ups, if desired.

As also indicated in Figure 3, the relay armature is connected through the contact 66, the spring 70, the spring clip and the arm 82 to the spool projection 36 which is aligned with the prong pin 23. The discs 73 and 74 alternately contact the relay armature and are mounted upon the projections 34 and which are connected to the prong pins 21 and 22. The prong pins 19 and 20 are not used in the assembly illustrated, but are located in their usual position so that the relay will properly fit in its tube socket.

In Figure 9, a modified form of fixed contact is shown. This contact includes an anchoring shank 85 which is hollowed at its end to be rolled or riveted outwardly as shown in the drawing. The shank 85 extends through a suitable aperture 86 in the spool or bobbin end flange 30. This shank end like the ends of the other projections previously described, are located in countersunk openings in the coil side of the spool flange, so that the projections are spaced from the coil.

The shank is provided with a cam shaped disc 37 having a cam ramp on one surface thereof. A multi-sided portion 39 is provided between the disc 87 and the spool flange, by means of which the contact may be rotated. Opposite the shank 85 is provided an attachment shank 9b which is socketed as indicated at 91 to receive a corresponding prong pin on the relay base.

In the particular structure illustrated, the face 92 of the cam disc most remote from the spool flange 30 is inclined. The armature is designed to engage this surface 92 when attracted toward the coil. The cooperating contact is usually constructed with a longer hexagonal portion so that the disc is spaced farther from the spool end. In this case, the cam surface is on the disc side nearest to the coil.

In constructing the relay, the armature is mounted to move between the two contact discs before the shanks are soldered to the prong pins. The riveted anchoring ends of the contacts hold the shanks parallel, but permit rotation thereof. By engaging the hexagonal shank portions, the contacts may be turned to vary the hinging movement of the armature. When the desired adjustment is attained, the prong pins are soldered in the sockets 91, holding the contacts in adjusted position.

It will be seen that by providing socketed projections on the relay coil spool and aligning these projections with 7 prong pins extending through the relay base, considerable assembly difiiculty is avoided and a minimum of space is required for the electrical connections. Two of the relay contacts are mounted directly on the socketed projections while the relay armature is electrically connected to another tubular projection, this last named connection involving substantially the only wiring necessary during the assembly process. All of the electrical connections may be completed before the relay base is attached, thus greatlysimplifying the task and reducing chance for error. The relay base assembly may then be mounted by extending the inner ends of the prong pins into the sockets of the extensions and soldering them in place.

In accordance with the patent statutes, the principles of construction and operation of the micro relay construction have been described, and while it has been endeavored to set forth the best embodiment thereof, it is desired to have it understood that obvious changes may be made within the scope of the following claims without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

We claim:

1. A relay including a relay coil spool, a spool head forming one end of said spool, a series of angularly spaced conducting members on said spool head, a relay coil encircling said spool, a relay armature, means hingedly supporting said armature for movement toward or away from said spool head, said conducting members being on opposite sides of said armature and within the confines of said spool head, said armature extending between said conducting members and movable through a distance less than the length of said conducting members, contacts on certain of said conducting members spaced in a direction axially thereof selectively engageable with said armature to define said movable distance of the armature, and a relay base including angularly spaced prong pins extending therethrough, said prong pins being aligned with and connected to said conducting members.

2. The relay described in claim 1 and including a contact member on said armature, and selectively engageable with said contacts on said conducting members.

3. The structure described in claim 1 and in which the contacts on said conducting members encircle the same.

4. A relay including a spool having a core secured axially thereof, a relay coil encircling said core, a spool head, a series of angularly spaced conducting members on said spool head, a contact supported on each of two of said conducting members in relatively axially offset relationship, said contacts being angularly spaced and relatively positioned at different distances from said spool head, an armature hingedly secured to said spool head, relatively spaced relay contacts on said armature positioned in axial offset relationship to form alternate connection with each of the said supported contacts being angularly spaced and relatively positioned at diiferent distances from said spool head, said armature being pivotal selectively on an axis normal to the spool between said angularly spaced and relatively positioned contacts and limited thereby with respect to its path of movement, and a relay base having a series of angularly spaced prong pins thereon, said prong pins being aligned with and secured to said projections.

5. The structure described in claim 4 and including a a rmen y m mberiof magneti mat r ex nd g fromt e of the spool opposite that from which the projections extend to apoint adjacent ,to these projections, {the means supporting the armature being a part of said member.

16. In a micro relay, a coil, a pair of spaced contacts, and an armature hingedly supported for movement be tween said contacts, said armature having a rounded fulcrum edge, an armature support including an elongated notch-in which said edge may pivot, a coil spring having one endconnected to said armature, a spring clip to which the other .end of said spring is attached, said spring clip having angled resilient arms tending to elongate said coil spring, and an adjustment bolt extending through said spring clip and threaded into said armature support whereby the tension of the coil spring may be reduced by tightening said adjustment bolt.

7. In a micro relay, a coil, a pair of axially and angular lyspacedcontacts, and an armaturehingedly supported forrnovement between said contacts, said armature having a fulcrum edge, an armature support including means pivotally supporting said armature which said edge may pivot, said contacts including conductor studs, said contacts including disc shaped contact portions threaded on 8 ai stu s, a d d s ap d contac port ons each including a cam shapedcontacting surface. on the face thereof nearest said armature to limit movement of said armature in opposite directions.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 544,351 Dixon Aug. 13, 1895 650,915 Scribner et al. June 5, 1900 784,635 Setter Mar. 14, 1905 941,761 Corwin et al Nov. 30, 1909 1,415,050 Reichart May 9 1922 1,969,488 Wagar Aug. 7, 1934 2,107,848 Barrett Feb. 8, 1938 2,425,038 Lear Aug. 5, 1947 2,451,810 Cohen Oct. 19, 1948 2,538,020 Lomholt Jan. 16, 1951 2,585,684 Roggenstein Feb. 12, 1952 2,621,269 Iuillard Dec. 9, 1952v FOREIGN PATENTS 299,360 Great Britain Dec. 9, 1929 403,505 France Nov. 6, 1909 

